The 2016 presidential cycle has officially begun in earnest. Candidates are visiting Iowa and New Hampshire for speeches, glad-handing, and private meetings.

For journalists, for voters, for political consultants, and for the candidates themselves, there is an integral part to this whole process: caffeine.

Let’s just say that the Granite State and the Hawkeye State are known for many things — including, well, nominating presidents — but in the coffee world they aren’t exactly the most sought after states.

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It’s easier to find a Pizza Hut in Iowa than it is to find a Starbucks (This is true: Someone has mapped this stuff out). And a woman in Des Moines won $10,000 in a Seattle’s Best Coffee contest with her drink “How to Win a Guy with One Sip” (the concoction involved caramelized bacon and pumps of pumpkin pie spice.)

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In New Hampshire, there are Dunkin’ Donuts in almost every town. Starbucks is spread far and wide as well.

Most places in these early voting states seem to think bigger is better (so expect large coffee mugs, and don’t expect a 6-ounce cappuccino). Most also offer a wide selection of food, in addition to coffee (upside is you can grab lunch or a snack; downside is most places that do lots with food don’t do as well with the coffee).

For coffee snobs, a sure turnoff is a shop with flavor pumps, something many shops here have. But honestly, this is not the time nor place to be snobby. It’s a time to get a good caffeine fix, and some places are quite good and quite unique.

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Voters are performing a public service by listening to these candidates and deciding among them. My public service is this list of good coffee haunts. Heaven knows those candidates may need a jolt.

We’ll try to update the list, so send along any other suggestions.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

MANCHESTER

Cafe la Reine: They opened in 2012, so for those who followed the last campaign this may be new. It’s downtown, and aimed at coffee enthusiasts. It was founded by Alexandra Puglisi, who attended Saint Anselm College and wanted to start a coffee-shop community. So expect live music at nights.

True Brew Cafe:
It has an extensive food menu, promises free Wi-Fi, and also offers a good number of coffee and espresso options. Including, for all the Floridians coming up to New Hampshire this cycle, a Cortadito (espresso, Cuban style).

Riverwalk Cafe and Music Bar: Staff here says they use an “old school Turkish drum roaster” and work in small batches to ensure their organic and fair trade coffee is fresh. It also has plenty of food and, as the name implies, music.

IOWA

Mars cafe: Good spot at the edge of Drake University. It is serving Kickapoo Coffee out of Wisconsin, and does pour-overs in a Chemex or V-60. It also has espresso-based drinks, food, and ample seating. One of the best coffee spots in the city.

The Java House: This is the local chain here, with seven stores spread around this college town. The chain has been open since 1994, founded by University of Iowa student Tara Cronbaugh (who drew inspiration from the San Francisco area coffee scene). The coffee selection is good, with brew bars.